Gaming in C++

Here's the deal, /prog/. Over the winter break, I have decided I want to practice and expand my skills, and as such, design a small applet type game using C++. Now, i am fluent in C++, and MFC, but MFC wouldn't exactly be ideal for this. I fully intend for the game to be 2D Sprite based.

What should I look into, what should I use, and how should I go about things? I've heard openGL would work well, is there anything else I ought to remain cognizant of?

>>40
The culmination of all software engineering? I think so.

>>40
>>41
You are both suspended.

Okay that's it, you've just angered an expert programmer.

Use DirectX and Direct3d because directdraw DUNE FUR and opengl and whatever the hell else you were talking about... just no! D:<

>>44
Now you have two problems.

>>45
Or more

Fags KILL YOURSELVES FAGS.